Current Travel News
Sunshine and Snow
IT seems improbable that the famous Crestu Run at St. Moritz would inspire many readers of this journal «Mitt the am- bition of entering for the World Bobsleigh Championship. Nor is it likely that their interest would lie very Much in staying at a modern winter-sports resort likeSestrieres (6,600 ft.) in the Italian Alps merely because them was a cable railway which would en- able them to ski a further 2,000 feet down a perilous mountain slope. The ski.ing con- test for the Roberts of Kandahar Cup, the blue riband of this sport, they would wisely- be inclined to leave to the adventurous spirit of youth. The attraction of any winter-sports centre for the majority of our readers would conceivably be the crisp, dry air and sunshine of snow-covered peaks, and the facility it would offer for a turn or two with skis on the less difficult inclines, for ice-skating at one's own speed and an occasional game on the curling rink. With this as one's object the question arises : Is a winter holiday in the moun- tains of Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Italy, the Pyrenees, Norway or Sweden likely to give much comfort and enjoyment, or should it be left to the sporting pro- clivities of the young 1 Today it is easier to answer the first part of the question in the affirmative than it would have been some years ago. No foreign holiday centres were hit as hard, when Britain discarded the goktstandard, as those catering for the winter-sports public, To attract the few visitors there were, hotels were obliged to reduce their rates, railways to lower their charges, and the centres themselves to widen their appeal to the world at large. Improved facilities and a broader outlook on the part. of the organisers are gradually bringing their own reward, Nowadays it is unnecessary to ask whether an inability in shine at winter sports is likely to prove a. target for ridicule or a dislike of galas, gymkanas, tea dances and what not to find one a stranger in the midst. Any doubt may be overcome by joining one of those popular groups, termed Initiation Parties, which are arranged by travel agencies ; in other words, an escorted holiday confined to those who prefer to be spectators rather than participants (or who are novices ready to learn in their own good time) and to whom an extravagant social life is not an attraction.
Messrs. Thos. Cook and Son Announce that they have such parties in preparation for the coming season. These are due to leave London on specified dates between the third week in December and the second in February. The destination will be Kanderstcg, one of 'the most easily ac- cessible resorts, situated 4,000 feet above sea-level in the heart of the Bermes Ober- land. Kan' derateg does not vie with championship eentres like Miirren and St. Moritz, and is snore known for its curling and skating rinks than for its bobsleigh and
toboggan runs. Nevertheless, for the embryo it is ideally suited, and outside it, of course, are some splendid test slop( s for the improving ski-er, The Kanderstrg parties can be joined at an inclusive cost c f £27 per head. For this full fares (1st class on steamer, 2nd class elsewhere) are pro- vided, a host and hostess for the whole period, ski-ing instruction, taxes and gratuities, meals en route, and 14 clays' board-residence at 'a leading hotel. Private parties by other agents are also being arranged, and by Camps and Tours Union.
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. The first essential of a ski-mg resort proper is a funicular which gives access to good snow at higher altitudes when that at lower levels proves usieless. It is this availability of snow which makes the best known Swiss resorts .popular : Marren, Grindelivald, Wengen, Zermatt, Adelboden, Gstaad, Villars, Leak, Scheidegg, Leuker-
Current Travel
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bad, in the Berneso Oberland and the [(hone Valley ; Ournigel in Berne ; Engel- berg and Andermatt in Central Switzerland ; and St. Moritz, Pontresina, Davos, .Klos- ters, AreSti, I.,011Z•el'h04110, Sarrulili,ir, in the Orisons' and Engadine. These are ideal for tho enthusiast who is eager to learn under export guidance in one of the recognised
schools or who is already expert. are, too, faints! for i heir social gaiety, attractions being offered by famous hotels in super- abundance. A resort which will appeal. to visitors who are travelling independently, and to whom the thrill of watching others at their sport is more important than actual indulgt.ilee, isCelerina, within five minutes'
by -train of St. Merits. is placed at the extremity of the rentrociasil Cresta and St. Moritz bobsleigh-runs its elevation is nearly 6,000 feet al awe t lie sea ; and it enjoys considerable sunshine.
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During the season a spciial train from London. known its the ,• Whiter Sports Special," will I I'1111 WI MO billowing Saturdays : .1)eeemlier 21st,1)ccember 28th and January 4th. Ticket -hohlers hound for Switzerland. Austria, or Cermany will he offered eoesiderable reduid ion in fares (2nct or 3rd (class) and in hotel pliers. A Winter Sports Special ticket provides for reserved seats, conveyance of baggage between station and hotel, and hill board and ac- commodation at specified hotels for 6 or 13 nights, but not for gratuities or taxes. The homeward journey, except on the January 4th return " Special," must, however, be undertaken independently and a 44 Slip- plemmt " paid on the return ticket. Various agencies are .participating in this scheme, though Messrs. Cook's are running their It wit special trains to Switzerland one tiny earlier in each case than those =si- t:Aimed shove and also on December 23rd. The lowest prevailing fare for any of these special trains is £9 5s. (3rd class), and for this a 9-clays' tour is offered at a leading resort.
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